### 87

‘There’s not enough Ren in all of Chai that would make me go out into the estuary today,’ says the boatman, shaking his head. The waters can be treacherous even at the best of times, especially in the middle of the channel.

‘How much to buy your boat?’ asks Quang.

‘More than you can afford,’ he retorts. ‘This boat is my livelihood. But I tell you what, I’ll take 5,000 Ren for it.’

‘The price you are asking is preposterous,’ says Quang. ‘I could buy ten boats like this for that sum.’

‘Hah!’ snorts the boatman. ‘Then I suggest you go and do that!’

Turn to 261.